title: Executive function, approach sensitivity, and emotional decision making as influences on risk behaviors in young adults.
abstract: Relations among executive function, behavioral approach sensitivity, emotional decision making, and risk behaviors (alcohol use, drug use, and delinquent behavior) were examined in single female college students (N = 72). Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated a significant Approach Sensitivity x Working Memory interaction in which higher levels of alcohol use were associated with the combination of greater approach tendency and better working memory. This Approach Sensitivity x Working Memory interaction was also marginally significant for drug use and delinquency. Poor emotional decision making, as measured by a gambling task, was also associated with higher levels of alcohol use, but only for individuals low in inhibitory control. Findings point to the complexity of relations among aspects of self-regulation and personality and provide much needed data on neuropsychological correlates of risk behaviors in a nonclinical population.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University, S110 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. mep202@psu.edu
authors.forename: Megan E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Patrick
authors.forename: Clancy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blair
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Maggs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010551:Personality; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014705:Verbal Behavior